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Monday, October 4, 2010

Prompted by a primary school mate who loves Chinese poetry,
I came to learn about (or anew) the works of Tang poet Du Mu (杜牧), who was known as much for his amours and
philandering habit as for his prodigious literary talent.

Since then, I have developed a keener interest in his poems.
As much as I like the light-hearted, romanticist and gallant style of his
poetry, he has not surpassed, although he has almost equaled, Su Shi (蘇軾), on my list of top favorites. I must confess,
though, that I am still just a dabbler, if not neophyte, in Chinese poetry
appreciation.

Inspired by a blogger over at HKEJ’s discussion forum, Wong
Wang Fat (黃宏發), former
Legislator Council president, who has been posting his English translations of Chinese
poetry on the forum and who has recently posted a rendition of Du Mu’s “Given
in Parting II” (“贈別: 其二”), I’ve come up with my own rendition of this sentimental,
guilt-ridden poem, which was written when the poet had to bid farewell to one
of his lovers. In fact, another of his poems that has similar tone and feelings
is “Conveying Sentiments” (“遣懷”).I’ve only read part of Du Mu’s
collection of poems, and the one I like best is “Autumn Eve” (“秋夕”), of which I’ve also done a rendition below.

Original of
“Given in Parting II” (“贈別: 其二”) :-

多情卻是總無情,

唯覺樽前笑不成。

蠟燭有心還惜別,

替人垂淚到天明。

My
Rendition:-

My heart enslaved, yet heartless I appear.

Chalice emptied, but cheer eludes me, I fear.

At our parting the kind candle grieves,

Weeping till the dawn is near.

Original of “Autumn
Eve” (“秋夕”):-

銀燭秋光冷畫屏,

輕羅小扇撲流螢。

天階夜色涼如水,

臥看牽牛織女星。

My
Rendition:-

On the cold screen a candle paints the autumn light;

Silk fan in hand, fireflies she chases in pure delight.

Cold stone steps, under a dark chilly sky,

Lying down, watching the stars in pairs, she turns restless.

[Note: A lonely maiden-in-waiting in the imperial court inspired the
poet to write this poem on a chilly autumn night.]

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About Me

Always fascinated with iconic but unsung females in Chinese history and legends, I cherish a dream of bringing them to the page. Chinese history and poetry, Jin Yong novels, English, French and Russian classics have colored my life and imagination.